Using a capability approach to explore how people with intellectual disabilities can lead flourishing lives

Ryan, Sara ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7406-1610 and O'Brien, Rosaleen (2024) Using a capability approach to explore how people with intellectual disabilities can lead flourishing lives. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 37 (6). e13299. ISSN 1360-2322

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Abstract

Background: People with intellectual disabilities remain disadvantaged in many aspects of everyday life. Capability approach is an underused approach in social care research and has at its core the importance of having capabilities or opportunities to do what we value. We use this approach to explore how people with intellectual disabilities can be supported to lead flourishing lives. Methods: Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 50 people with intellectual disabilities and 28 family carers. Data were analysed using an adapted template approach and conceptual analysis. Results: Our analysis led to the identification of one overarching theme; ‘Doing what you love and growing’ and sub‐themes; ‘Choice, opportunity and empowerment’, ‘Being out in the world’ and ‘Lowered expectations and static lives’. Conclusion: People with intellectual disabilities can lead capability‐deprived lives. Methodological and practice innovation is needed to better understand what people value and ensure they have capability sets that enable flourishing lives.